A Vessel of Pleasure

An old river relic
Etched and rusted
Weathered and faded
Survivor of floods
Once a labor of love
Boards sawn and shaped
Iron measured, welded and bolted
Painted, christened and launched
Once a vessel of pleasure
Voyages on moon-lit nights
Coffee at dawn's first light
Now, half-sunken and abandoned
Its windows and door
Shaded by purple passion flower
Too late to make anew
But! Oh how it enriches the view

Roy L. Nave
August 2005